James Carver resigns as party spokesman

West Midlands MEP James Carver has resigned as UKIP’s Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs spokesman, following the announcement of the party’s integration policy, including a pledge to ban the Muslim tradition of women wearing full face veils.

Mr. Carver said he “strongly disagreed” with the “misguided policy”, which includes the forced medical examination of selected children, and the banning of the burka in public places.

He said: “I would be one of the first to condemn a ban on wearing a crucifix as an infringement of liberty. No-one has the right to dictate what people should wear.

“When facial identification is necessary, such as at passport controls, or in a bank, then it is perfectly reasonable to order the removal of veils, as is the practice, but in a free and liberal society, people have a right to their religious beliefs, and to dress as they see fit.

“It is, therefore, with deep regret, that I have decided to resign as UKIP’s Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs spokesman, as I feel this policy undermines my desire to represent all communities within the West Midlands, including the many British Muslims, who, I know, from first-hand experience, voted to leave the EU in last year’s referendum.

“This week sees the 21st anniversary of my UKIP membership, the party that I have campaigned so hard for, and still believe in. I have consistently spoken of my desire for a truly global perspective for the United Kingdom, outside of the European Union, and I see this policy as being incompatible with that aim.”

Well I do respect Mr Carver s feelings and his concise and explained reasons for his resignation. I can find NO fault with his issue and conclusion . I worked and lived for 11 yrs in Saudi , Qatar , Emirates , Syria , Iraq and never did I see or find the Burkha or full veil ever used , the only time it was visible it was usually somebody from Afghanistan , Pakistan that tribal region and it was classed and accepted by MUSLIMS as an effectation related to Tribal customs . At no time did it ever become a political or religious issue . If it is not condidered an issue requiring banning in Muslims countries why are we making a fuss in Europe and the UK. It is for some inexplicable reason becoming a badge to indicate ' Terrorism ' , a difference a threat , this is not the case . Its like Femminists and Vegans and other weird and wonderful distinctions and differences . It should be etreated as such . IGNORE IT , trwet it as a security issue as Mr Carver admonishes as we do when necessary ; but to Ban it is quite ridiculous and I as a Member can think of about 12 other issues which are far more deserving of attention by this stupid NEC and Leadership we have .

Well I do respect Mr Carver s feelings and his concise and explained reasons for his resignation. I can find NO fault with his issue and conclusion . I worked and lived for 11 yrs in Saudi , Qatar , Emirates , Syria , Iraq and never did I see or find the Burkha or full veil ever used , the only time it was visible it was usually somebody from Afghanistan , Pakistan that tribal region and it was classed and accepted by MUSLIMS as an effectation related to Tribal customs . At no time did it ever become a political or religious issue . If it is not condidered an issue requiring banning in Muslims countries why are we making a fuss in Europe and the UK. It is for some inexplicable reason becoming a badge to indicate ' Terrorism ' , a difference a threat , this is not the case . Its like Femminists and Vegans and other weird and wonderful distinctions and differences . It should be etreated as such . IGNORE IT , trwet it as a security issue as Mr Carver admonishes as we do when necessary ; but to Ban it is quite ridiculous and I as a Member can think of about 12 other issues which are far more deserving of attention by this stupid NEC and Leadership we have .

This is a policy that has been adopted in France, Belgium , Bulgaria and some Italian cities.
I would argue that you are wrong on UKIP adopting the policy is what I would call forward thinking.

I too am a little uneasy about having girls examined about FGM but I'm more uneasy that the practice of FGM takes place at all and believe we must tackle this and it is away we can detect where FGM is taking place.
However, we are a broad party and I am pleased to see you are remaining with UKIP and fighting for change from within

Well done for your actions in resigning due to the attacks by ukip on Muslims in the UK .now I hope you finally decide to resign from ukip and use your skills to help the world become a more peaceful place where everyone respects each other and becomes tolerant and treats each other and most importantly where every life matters regardless of ones faith or no faith
Wakefield

Too bad you feel you have to leave the political party who's views you have held for more than 20 years, all because of the burka-ban! Personally I think your resignation go's a bit deeper than stated, for now at this time the party will need men of your calibre MORE than ever before; I and many more UKIP supporters would sooner you reconsider what can only be a haste decision!

I think we are all aware that the origin of the burka; it was never a female's idea to dress in this way, it was introduced by male Muslims in order to prevent other men from looking at their 'property'. The burka remains a symbol of this oppression to this day.
James Carver thinks he is doing the 'right thing' by standing up for religious expression but he is misguided.
Muslim men want their women to cover up and in a similar way are quite happy for them not to learn English. The cover up and the language barrier, prevent Muslim women from integrating and absorbing Western values. If they were to integrate it would open their eyes to these Western values, particularly sexual equality. This type of education does not suit Muslim men; they want to isolate their 'property' so that they remain in servitude. The burka is a social barrier and prevents integration and maintains isolation.
Like a lot of politically correct liberals Mr Carver thinks he is standing up for Muslims, he is half right; he is in fact supporting Muslim men and enabling the continuation of primitive, dark age attitudes towards Muslim women.